The Magicians: A Novel

Quentin Coldwater is brilliant but miserable. A senior in high school, he's still secretly preoccupied with a series of fantasy novels he read as a child, set in a magical land called Fillory. Imagine his surprise when he finds himself unexpectedly admitted to a very secret, very exclusive college of magic in upstate New York, where he receives a thorough and rigorous education in the craft of modern sorcery.

I started with the Hobbit back in 6th grade, took on the Lords of the Ring, Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter. At 50 I still enjoy a fanciful romp beyond the mundane. I am delighted to have found this one. This is the grown up, ironical, aware of its own contrivances big sibling of those earlier fantasies with sex and drugs and magic.

I’ve read the more sophisticated reviews about this not being fantasy, being more about adult relationships… It’s fun, funny, tragic, contrived but somehow deeply engaging. The references to all of the above and more serve to bring the reader in – like a comedian saying “you ever notice…” You think “Ya” and are now seeing the world from the comedians point of view. This is what Grossman does so the book doesn’t seem contrived which it ultimately is not. While some chapters plod along, the adventure is worth it. Well read and worth reading. Check it out!

In his satire, Stewart articulates insight that is clever, shrewd and irreverent. This is a very funny attack on the American political system. While Stewart is clearly left leaning, the entire political system takes abuse. Stewart is clearly focused on all that is absurd, or can be spun as contrary to common sense, in American political history. This is the history of the United States and commentary on our political system in the spirit of the Daily Show. Listen to this book ? laugh out loud funny.

Speaker for the Dead

In the aftermath of his terrible war, Ender Wiggin disappeared, and a powerful voice arose: the Speaker for the Dead, who told the true story of the Bugger War. Now, long years later, a second alien race has been discovered by Portuguese colonists on the planet Lusitania. But again the aliens' ways are strange and frightening...again, humans die. And it is only the Speaker for the Dead, who is also Ender Wiggin the Xenocide, who has the courage to confront the mystery...and the truth.

I have read hundreds of books, this is among the ten best. If you read and liked Ender's Game, this one is more mature, better developed, just as engaging and just as satisfying. Worth the investment of time and money.

Rush Hour Spanish

Sing your way to a new language, anytime, anywhere! The new enhanced edition of Rush Hour Spanish includes two audio programs, a bonus music-only version of favorite Rush Hour songs, and a free downloadable word game (see www.berlitzbooks.com for link). Original music and catchy songs help you remember everyday words, phrases, and sentences, and the exciting storyline keeps you involved. Fun to use alone or with your family!

The first time I almost shut this program off after only five minutes. However, I went with it despite the goofy story and low budget Broadway style music. After three listens I knew the songs and the vocabulary. As I returned to my traditional Spanish lessons I found myself hearing the songs and remembering this material more clearly than I have any other program. I would purchase more of these were they availible.

All-Audio Spanish

Learn Spanish AnywhereIf you have trouble finding time to fit in language lessons, All-Audio Spanish is the perfect solution. Developed by the experts at Living Language, this program is designed for people on the move. You can learn Spanish as you drive, work around the house, or exercise at the gym.

This is like reading a book of grammar rules. Very comprehemsive and authoritative, but it provides no structured rehearsal of the material being presented. One could listen ten times without increasing their ability to speak Spanish.

If you already speak at an advanced level, this is a quick review. Don't expect to learn to speak from this program.

The Pleasure of My Company

Daniel Pecan Cambridge, 30, 35, 38 or 27, depending on how he feels that day, is a young man whose life is rich and full, provided he never leaves his Santa Monica apartment. After all, outside there are 8-inch-high curbs and there's always the horrible chance he might see a gas station attendant wearing a blue hat. So, except for the occasional trip to the Rite Aid to admire the California girl Zandy and to buy earplugs because they're on sale, he stays home a lot. And good thing, too.

Very well written. If you are a fan of Steve Martin's comedy and expect this book to be funny, don't bother. This is a little adventure in the life of a nuerotic character who finds love, eventually. I downloaded it after hearing an interview on NPR and enjoyed it. Just a light little book for an hour or two of enjoyment.

The Great Gatsby

Feel the texture of Fitzgerald's language as master reader Alexander Scourby, with cool precision, unfolds the mystery of Jay Gatsby. A true classic of American literature, The Great Gatsby celebrates a "heightened sensibility to the promises of life," an American capacity for hope that remains unsullied even by the falsity of what it pursues. Fitzgerald's clean, elegant style evokes to perfection the glitter and charm of the Jazz Age, as well as the falseness of its values.

The Seven Habits of Highly Defective People

Who has time to read stuffy, self-important books like The Bridges of Madison County and Embraced by the Light? Why read the originals when you can listen to people make fun of them for you? Chuckle along with Embarrassed by the Light, Listening to Pringles, The "Baby You're Hot" Zone, The 7 Habits of Highly Defective People, The Fridges of Marin County, and more. You'll never look at your refrigerator, junk food, or a neutered cat the same way again!

The Funny Thing Is...

Ellen DeGeneres published her first book of comic essays, the #1 best selling My Point...and I Do Have One, way back in 1996. Not one to rest on her laurels, the witty star of stage and screen has since dedicated her life to writing a hilarious new book. That book is this audiobook.

The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child

If there were a code you could learn that would lead you to become a great teacher wouldn't you want to learn it? The Essential 55 is a collection of the amazingly effective rules that Ron Clark used to become an extraordinary teacher. Through trial and error, this teacher has distilled fifty-five ideas that have helped him take apathetic students in some of the country's most challenging areas and transform them into award-winning scholars.

Really elementary. If you are charmed by cliche babble about what an elementary school teacher always tells his students (in the same tone of voice he speaks to his students) then this book is for you. I hated it.

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